New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Sewa Teerth in the national capital at 5 pm on Thursday, sources said.

According to sources, the meeting is being viewed as an important midterm stocktaking of the government's performance. The high-level gathering is expected to be attended by Union Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge, and ministers of state.

The meeting comes amid rising global concerns over energy security and increasing fuel prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime trade route.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had appealed to citizens to contribute towards economic resilience by reducing dependence on imported fuel and adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives. He urged people to use public transport, opt for carpooling, prefer railways for transportation of goods, and increase the use of electric vehicles wherever possible.

Recently, the petrol and diesel prices were raised across the country on Tuesday. In Delhi, petrol prices increased by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre. Similar hikes were witnessed in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

This was the second fuel price hike in less than a week after prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre on May 15. Global crude oil prices have remained elevated amid tensions arising from the US-Israel-Iran conflict earlier this year.

The ministers' meeting also comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi concluded his five-nation official tour covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

During his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following which the two countries elevated bilateral ties to a 'Special Strategic Partnership.'

The two leaders reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and discussed cooperation in areas including trade, investments, defence, technology, connectivity, education and the blue economy. (ANI)